Curiosity compelled Justin Simeone to learn more about bike racing. A propitious turn of events would occur, when he accompanied his family, who went to watch his sister, who was a cheerleader; but there was something else that captured Justin’s …
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Quiet Riot, Steak and Sizzle, Thunder and Lightning. Call them what you want, but Port Charlotte High School has big expectations for its promising quarterback duo. Senior Marc Jean-Louis and sophomore Logan “Bear” Rogers have big plans for the 2018-19 …
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North Port High School football coach Brian Hatler isn’t one to dwell on a mistake made on the field. If his quarterback misses a read, it’s on to the next throw. If his defensive line gets swallowed up by the …
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Joe Parker was the quarterback of his high school team. Now 44, Parker has been removed from playing high school football for more than a quarter of a century, but he’s managed to keep his hand in the game, and …
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A phone call from an old friend can help transform one’s life. And for North Port resident Shawnie Shearer, reconnecting with someone from her past, meant trying something new. The mother of three, now finds herself participating in a sport …
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It doesn’t take long to notice North Port senior Andrew Koennemann. He’s loud not only with his leadership, but with his pads as well. At the linebacker spot, he has a keen sense for tracking down ball carriers and on …
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He couldn’t bare watching the rounds of the 2017 MLB Draft tick away without his name called. He found anything else to occupy his time. Trevor Charpie, an undrafted reliever for the Charlotte Stone Crabs, didn’t have much of a …
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They’ve been a powerful presence on the water for more than 40 years. The Punta Gorda Sailing Club was founded in 1975, and boasts solid numbers, with more than 400 people belonging to the club. The organization offers a good …
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For many baseball fans, spring training is an intense study session mixed with the sun-baked relaxation of Florida. Fans from all over the country flock to the Sunshine State’s pristine ballparks in February and March to take a scout the …
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The Charlotte Stone Crabs were one of the hottest teams in minor league baseball in July. Tuesday’s doubleheader sweep of the Florida Fire Frogs sealed the most successful month in franchise history. The pair of victories brought Charlotte’s record to …
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As a senior at the College of Idaho, an NAIA school just west of Boise, Riley O’Brien wasn’t a household name outside the Coyote’s fan base. He was a 6-foot-4 junior college transfer with a strong arm, but failed to …
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Depleted emotionally, but not physically, mixed martial arts fighter Felicia Spencer sat, dejected and crying. She had just lost her first amateur fight — one she waited two years for. Her goal going in was to conserve energy to avoid …
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A healthy lifestyle can mean an improved quality of life. Zoomers Southwest Florida Running and Triathlon Club, based in Murdock, continues to promote fitness, for the more than 520 members who compose the not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization in southwest Florida. “We …
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An opportunity to learn a new sport, make friends and participate in a variety of activities, provided more than 50 children with a fun way to spend the summer. The Charlotte County Summer Camp at the South County Rec center, …
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Just when things felt comfortable, everything changed for new Stone Crabs pitcher Brian Shaffer. The 22-year-old, sixth-round draft pick in 2017, who was acquired by the Tampa Bay Rays in a trade involving reliever Matt Andriese last Wednesday, had just …
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Nine adults are participating in this past weekend’s summer sailing class hosted by the Englewood Sailing Association. The Englewood Sailing Association is having summer sailing classes for adults 18 years and older. This four-day class is ideal for working adults …
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It’s a program whose influence continues to impact its participants. Charlotte High School swimming coach Jeff Cain started the Blue Fins, more than 20 years ago, and the program’s exponential growth resonates powerfully. Danielle Chance is the Blue Fins head …
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A television show would provide Jake Thayer with his first exposure to the sport of Fencing. It was while watching “iCarly”, when he was 12 years old, that his life would forever be transformed. “It just seemed interesting, like something …
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NORTH PORT — The North Port Huskies youth football team started its fall practice sessions Monday at the team’s field at Butler Park with high hopes. The team went through basic conditioning and some other drills Monday. “We hope to …
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A commitment to excellence. The margin between success and failure can often be tenuous. It’s those programs that place an emphasis on hard work and thorough preparation that often achieve optimal results. The Port Charlotte Pirates football program began their …
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